Ground-breaking agreement supports learning and saves money across Alberta's learning system
Edmonton... A groundbreaking province-wide agreement between the Alberta Government and Microsoft Canada will provide students, educators and staff in Alberta's learning system with unprecedented access to software programs while saving school boards and post-secondary institutions approximately $10 million.
The agreement will make Microsoft Office software available across the K-12 and post-secondary learning systems at no cost to school boards or post-secondary institutions. The agreement, coupled with a sub-contract with Acrodex Inc., covers the Microsoft Office software, service support and licensing for three years at an approximate cost to government of $6.3 million.
"This agreement makes it possible to put Microsoft Office on every single computer in every one of Alberta's publicly funded schools, colleges and universities," said Learning Minister Dr. Lyle Oberg. "It also potentially saves the system 25 to 40 per cent annually on technology costs, freeing up substantial dollars across the system to be directed to other priority areas."
The Microsoft software suite, which includes word-processing, spreadsheet, data-base and other programs, will assist students at all levels with class work and school projects. Educators will be able to use the programs to support teaching and work-related duties. Administrators and staff will also be able to use the software to support administrative work, with the added benefit of opportunities for enhanced coordination at the jurisdiction and provincial level.
"This is a first of its kind for any learning system," Oberg said. "No other provincial or state government has provided their education community with an agreement of this size and depth."
Prior to the Provincial Microsoft Licensing agreement, schools, school boards and post-secondary institutions were responsible for the licensing costs of this software.
"We at Microsoft were very excited to work closely with Alberta Learning because they strive everyday to address the unique needs of students and teachers and to improve the education system in innovative ways," said Mike Parkhill, Director, Academic Sector, Microsoft Canada.
The Provincial Microsoft Licensing agreement is a prime example of how Alberta continues to be a leader in technology and of how the Alberta Government supports learning stakeholders with standard technology solutions. Identifying and implementing technology standards and standard solutions is one facet of how government is integrating technology in the learning system under the new Learning and Technology Policy Framework. In order to implement this standard solution, government is working with Acrodex Inc., the successful bidder on a request for proposal, to equip the schools and institutions with the software.
"Acrodex is proud to be Alberta Learning's vendor for the Microsoft Office licensing and product support services. This coordinated approach will ensure the learning system has quick and efficient access to the software", said Salma Rajwani, Acrodex Inc. Chief Information Officer.
Backgrounder
Highlights of the Provincial Microsoft Licensing Initiative
- Includes all of Alberta's publicly funded schools and post-secondary institutions.
- Provides participants with Microsoft Office software for all jurisdiction/institution-owned computers.
- Includes a three-year licence with Microsoft Canada based on a campus-style agreement with costs calculated on full-time equivalent staff, paid for by Alberta Learning.
- The licence is retroactive to July 1, 2004, for those schools/institutions currently in possession of the software under a previous licence, in many cases expanding the coverage of current licences.
- Covers both PC and Macintosh platforms.
- Provides installation options of English and French.
- Software requirements and installation support is being handled by Acrodex Inc., the successful bidder on a request for proposal to handle this aspect of the initiative.
Alberta's Learning and Technology Policy Framework
In July 2004, the Government of Alberta adopted Alberta's Learning and Technology Policy Framework to help ensure our learning system continues to focus the use of technology to benefit student learning and the effective education delivery. Developed with input from the province's Kindergarten to Grade 12, post-secondary and apprenticeship and industry training stakeholders, the Policy Framework identifies outcomes and potential new actions, in addition to policy directions.Implementation priorities for the 2004-2005 school year include:
- learning and technology research, with a major focus on videoconferencing research
- continued implementation of the LearnAlberta.ca and Alberta SuperNet initiatives
- identification of technology standards and solutions to improve access to technology within the learning system
- provincial partnerships to support professional growth of educators in the use of technology.
The Policy Framework is available on the Alberta Learning website at http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/reading/policy/techframework.
About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation, the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight regional offices across the country. Microsoft's commitment to enriching the learning environment is reflected in its partnerships, research programs, technology development and support to the education community.Media Contact:
Monika Rola
High Road Communications
416-368-8348 ext. 253
mrola@highroad.com
About Acrodex Inc.
Acrodex is an enterprise-wide technology solution provider, specializing in the delivery of end-to-end Information Technology solutions. These include hardware provisioning, software licensing, infrastructure services, application services and managed services. Acrodex serves clients in the education, energy, telecommunications, public service, health and petroleum sectors and has strong alliances with industry-leading vendors such as Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, IBM and CISCO. In operation since 1984, Acrodex employs over 350 IT professionals and serves a global market from its headquarters in Edmonton and branch offices in Calgary, Fort McMurray and Toronto.Media Contact:
Salma Rajwani
Chief Information Officer
780-426-4444 ext.505
